Overview
Live Oaks, Spanish Moss, and 30 Years of Top-100 Golf
18 Holes
70 Par
6,317 Yards Pintail Black tees
144 Slope Rating 71.4
Built on a former rice plantation just south of Myrtle Beach, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has earned its place among the most celebrated public courses in America. The approach down a cathedral alley of ancient live oaks — Spanish moss draped in long, quiet curtains — rivals any arrival in golf. Designed by Mike Strantz on fewer than 120 acres, the layout never feels cramped; every hole breathes, turns, and reveals itself in its own time.
Caledonia rewards strategic players over long hitters. Fairways are relatively tight for the yardages listed — the White tees play more like 6,100 yards in practice — and the short-game area adjacent to the clubhouse demands attention before the round begins. The 18th hole, resting in the shadow of the antebellum-style clubhouse, is among the most photographed finishing holes in the South.
Golfweek Top 100 Resort Courses 2026
Golf Digest Best in State (SC) — #29 2025-26
Golfweek Best Courses in South Carolina — #4 2025
GOLF Magazine Top 100 Courses You Can Play — #76 2024-25
USA TODAY 10Best Best Public Golf Courses in America — #4 2025
Before You Play
At Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Caddie's Notes
4 things worth knowing before your round — from tee selection to where to eat when you're done.
01
Course Character & Design
Mike Strantz created one of the most atmospheric golf experiences in the Southeast at Caledonia, routing the par-70 layout through ancient live oaks, Spanish moss, and a former rice plantation setting on the Waccamaw Neck. The Southern plantation aesthetic is not decorative: the mature landscape genuinely frames every hole. There is no on-course housing anywhere on the property, leaving the natural Lowcountry setting uninterrupted from the first tee to the 18th green, which finishes directly in front of the clubhouse. The short par-70 demands precision over power throughout.
02
Signature Holes
The par-3s are Caledonia's calling card, demanding accurate iron play to greens guarded by water and the looming tree canopy that defines the property. The routing through the ancient oaks creates a series of holes that feel unlike anything else on the Grand Strand, intimate, demanding, and visually stunning in any season.
03
Course Conditions
Champion Bermuda greens are meticulously maintained, befitting Caledonia's consistent top-tier ranking in Golf Digest and Golfweek. The plantation landscape, towering live oaks, reflecting ponds, and preserved wetlands, requires careful turf management, and the course's reputation for conditioning is a point of pride with management.
04
Before You Play
No driving range means you'll want to arrive with your game warmed up. The Steve Dresser Golf Academy is on-site for lessons, and a short game area is available for pre-round warmup. Nearby sister course True Blue is a natural pairing for a two-course day and has a full driving range if you need it. Complimentary chowder is served at the turn, a Caledonia tradition. After your round, linger on the clubhouse porch overlooking the 18th green: the house pastime is nursing a drink and wagering on whether the groups still on course can hit the green. Caledonia plays shorter than most Grand Strand resort courses (par 70), but the premium on accuracy means it plays harder than the yardage suggests.
Course Details
The Essentials
Designer Mike Strantz
Opened 1994
Access Public
Course Type Lowcountry
Walking Walk or ride
Caddies Not available
Greens Champion Bermuda
Fairways Bermuda
Short Game Area Yes
Driving Range No (Located at True Blue, 0.8 mi)
Club Rental Available
GPS Carts Included
Golf Trail Hammock Coast Golf Trail
Instruction Steve Dresser Golf Academy
Dining Caledonia's Grillroom
Lodging None
Green Fees $200 – $250
Best Months October-May
Peak Season March-May
Nearest Airport MYR · 35 min
Notable Features
Iconic 18th hole finishes at the clubhouse. Complimentary chowder served at the turn. No on-course housing — unspoiled natural setting throughout. Known for immaculate conditioning and challenging layout. No driving range on property. Consistently ranked among the top public courses in South Carolina.
Tee Information
Scorecard
| Tee | Gender | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pintail Black | M | 70 | 6,317 | 71.4 | 144 |
| Mallard Blue | M | 70 | 5,931 | 69.3 | 140 |
| Wood Duck White | M | 70 | 5,519 | 67.4 | 128 |
| Redhead Red | M | 70 | 4,589 | 63.6 | 119 |
Ratings and yardages are approximate and may vary by season. Verify with the pro shop before your round.
Photo Gallery
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club in Pictures
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Getting Here
Location
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
369 Caledonia Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
✈ MYR — approx. 35 min Pawleys Island, south strand
⛳ True Blue Golf Club — Less than 1 mile away
FAQ
Common Questions
Spring & Summer 2026 rates look to mostly range from $200 to $250 per round, with cart included. Twilight rates are available, check the website for current tee time pricing as rates vary dynamically.
No, Caledonia does not have a driving range on-site. Plan to warm up at a nearby facility, or pair your round with sister course True Blue, which does have a range.
Yes, Caledonia allows walking. Confirm with the pro shop whether pull carts are available.
